Backpack blower, best bang for the buck?

[Mycamaro_68]

Hey guys, I am thinking about stepping up to a backpack blower instead of my hand held blower. I don't need the most powerful blower out there. Just curious if there is something that has good power with a good price too. Thanks for your input.

 

[ANewSawyer]

150BT from Huskvarna. If you are willing to wait, get a Shindaiwa EB802rt from Acme Tools when they run a 20% off sale. Or an Echo from them during same sale. Worth the wait.

If you need it now, a refurbished 150BT from Northern Tool will do. They should have coupons on their website to add to the savings.

 

[KenJax Tree]

Echo PB 580T. Its got the best CFM in that price range. $329

 

[Mycamaro_68]

Thanks fellas, I will look in to each of those.

 

[Dustin4185]

Don't get a Stihl! I like the saws, but their other stuff has that 4mix crap. I got one for work and it blows good, if you get it started. Took back to dealer multiple times and he finally switched it out for a different one. Our old Husky is still running stron and has been borderline abused! We use them for everything from leaf cleanup, blowing out tractor radiators when bush hogging, blowing of the bush hog decks, clearing fire lines during described burns, and forcing air into slash piles to get them going good.

 

[CTYank]

For great prices on factory refurb Husqy blowers, check out VMInnovations. Prices include shipping.
Ferinstance: https://www.vminnovations.com/Browse_2127/Leaf-Blowers-and-Vacuums.html

 

[Guido Salvage]

These were free...

 

[Mycamaro_68]

These were free...

View attachment 46078

Want to double your money!

 

[ANewSawyer]

Prolly cause no one else wanted them.

 

[ncpete]

Husqvarna 350BT is what I have. Love it! starts on second pull every time, as long as I remember to flip the switch back to 'run'.

 

[Stump Shot]

No matter the brand, do yourself a favor and get one of the larger units, you won't regret it. Some of those little ones are no better than the hand held units.

 

[ncpete]

No matter the brand, do yourself a favor and get one of the larger units, you won't regret it. Some of those little ones are no better than the hand held units.

right, at least 50cc, no smaller for sure.

 

[Mycamaro_68]

*Update*

So I am finally tired of my handheld blower and wanted to bring back this thread to see if there are any other opinions. I am kind of leaning towards Husqvarna, either the 150BT or the 350BT. Does anybody have experience with both? They have similar specs on Husqvarna's website, the 150 has higher air speed but lower cfm. I'm assuming that means it has a smaller tube for higher velocity. I'm not opposed to other brands (I really like Echo and Shindaiwa equipment) there just isn't much local support except for Stihl and Husqy.

Also I am hoping to be in the $300ish range.

Thanks

 

[dolmarkid]

Redmax ebz 8500

 

[Marshy]

I have a Jonsered BB 2250. Retail is $300 at TCS. I don't have anything to compare it to because I just use it around the housem but it seems to work well, start easy and is comfortable.

http://www.jonsered.com/us/bb-2250/

 

[Mycamaro_68]

Redmax ebz 8500

I wish I could justify $700!

 

[dolmarkid]

I got mine last year for 449.95 on Sale

 

[Mycamaro_68]

I have a Jonsered BB 2250. Retail is $300 at TCS. I don't have anything to compare it to because I just use it around the housem but it seems to work well, start easy and is comfortable.

http://www.jonsered.com/us/bb-2250/

Anybody know if Husqy makes Jonsered's blowers? That has very similar specs to the 350BT and just like the saws Jonsereds look way better than Husqy!

 

[T.Roller]

*Update*

So I am finally tired of my handheld blower and wanted to bring back this thread to see if there are any other opinions. I am kind of leaning towards Husqvarna, either the 150BT or the 350BT. Does anybody have experience with both? They have similar specs on Husqvarna's website, the 150 has higher air speed but lower cfm. I'm assuming that means it has a smaller tube for higher velocity. I'm not opposed to other brands (I really like Echo and Shindaiwa equipment) there just isn't much local support except for Stihl and Husqy.

Also I am hoping to be in the $300ish range.

Thanks

150 is no better than a handheld

 

[Mycamaro_68]

150 is no better than a handheld

Thanks